A campaign finance bill approved by the state Senate last week will not eliminate contribution limits set by Fresno and other local governments, according to the office of the bill's author.

The bill is intended to stop local governments from placing restrictions on communications between organizations and their members, said Mike Zimmerman, chief of staff for Assembly Member Martin Garrick, R-Carlsbad. No local governments have approved such restrictions but San Diego has discussed them, he said.

Fresno has placed limits on contributions to candidates running for city office since at least 1974, City Clerk Becky Klisch said. The limits have been changed over the years and are currently set by the state Fair Political Practices Commission at $3,300 for individual donations and $6,700 for group donations, she said.

The bill, which has been sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger's desk, says it would not apply to local regulations set by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and other government reform organizations oppose the bill, saying it would create a loophole that would allow the funneling of large donations to candidates through political parties.
--Brad Branan